Trump’s First Criminal Trial: Eyebags, Tan Lines, and a Fiery Courtroom Defense
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Former President Donald Trump made headlines not only for his historic criminal trial but also for his appearance, which sparked a wave of commentary online. Trump is the first former U.S. president to face a criminal trial, accused of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made by his former attorney Michael Cohen to adult film star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election.
However, beyond the courtroom, Trump’s visibly contrasting tan and pronounced eyebags caught the public’s attention, drawing comparisons and reactions online. Observers quickly pointed out the stark contrast between Trump’s trademark orange-tinted skin and the noticeably pink shade of his under-eye bags. Trump has faced ridicule in the past for his appearance, and this time, social media users found fresh material in his courtroom look.
Following his court appearance, online commentators latched onto his visible eyebags and overall appearance, infusing humor into an otherwise serious situation. Several users on X (formerly Twitter) shared their thoughts. User @Michelle1111NC quipped, “Wow, those eyes and the bags under them tell the story of how he’s handling this.”
@DaveCarrig humorously noted, “Pink eyeliner was a bold choice.” Another user, @Use2LeanLeft, joked, “At least he had time to put on his makeup,” while @BurtMaclin_FBI simply observed, “Lol he looks terrible.” The hashtag #Exhaustipated even trended briefly after @SundaeDivine coined the term to describe Trump’s appearance.
Not all reactions were humorous, however. Some users took the opportunity to address the broader implications of the trial. @ZaleskiLuke, a legal editor, issued a stark warning: “Get ready—Trump’s right-wing propaganda machine will use every case against Trump to launder and ‘normalize’ his assault on America. In that sense, the trials can become platforms for Trump to promote more violence and indoctrinate more extremists.
Trumpism is an insidious virus.” Meanwhile, others expressed support for the legal process, with @ADAMMusablaze reminding followers, “The wheels of justice are rolling. Let us assume: the defendant is innocent until proven guilty.” In court, Trump maintained his innocence and reiterated his belief that the charges were politically motivated.
“I never thought anything like this could happen in America,” Trump declared during the trial. “This fake case was brought only to interfere with the upcoming 2024 election and it should be dropped immediately.” He has voiced frustration with the trial’s timing, suggesting it’s an attempt to influence the presidential race, told The Hill.
Trump also raised objections regarding the limitations on jury selection. State law sets limits on the number of jurors that Trump’s legal team can dismiss without cause. For this trial, Trump’s team has 10 peremptory strikes for jurors, along with two additional strikes for each alternate juror, as specified for the Class E felony charges he faces, as per NBC News.
Taking to Truth Social, Trump expressed discontent, writing, “I thought STRIKES were supposed to be ‘unlimited’ when we were picking our jury? I was then told we only had 10, not nearly enough when we were purposely given the 2nd Worst Venue in the Country. Don’t worry, we have the First Worst also, as the Witch Hunt continues! ELECTION INTERFERENCE!”
As Trump’s trial progresses, his court appearance and fiery social media comments continue to draw attention, highlighting the polarizing nature of his case. Whether seen as a significant legal moment or a platform for Trump’s continued defiance, the trial is certain to leave a lasting impression.
